What Is Our Greatest Spiritual Problem?

Q: I believe you can gain enlightenment from any religion, as long as you sincerely follow its teachings. I have a couple of Christian friends who disagree but they can't tell me why. What would you say? -- S.G.

A: Let me respond to your question by asking you another question: What is our greatest spiritual problem? Is it simply a lack of knowledge about God? Or is it something deeper?

If all we needed was more knowledge, then the search for what you call "enlightenment" might be the answer. But the Bible says we have a much deeper problem -- and that problem is sin. What is sin? Sin first of all is doing things that are wrong -- not just in the eyes of others, but in the eyes of God. But sin also is like a spiritual disease that corrupts our hearts and cripples our wills. And sin affects every one of us, no matter who we are. As the Bible says, "There is no one righteous, not even one" (Romans 3:10).

You see, God isn't some remote, impersonal being who isn't concerned about us. God created us and loves us, and He wants us to know Him and live in the light of His truth. But we have failed to live up to His standards and chosen to go our own way. Because of sin, we are separated from God.

This is why we need Jesus Christ. He came into the world for one reason: to bring us back to God. When we turn to Him in repentance and faith, God forgives us -- and not only that, He comes to live within us so that sin's power over us can be broken. Don't be misled, but turn to Christ and discover the joy of God's forgiveness and new life.

Affectionately known as the "World's Preacher" for more than 60 years, the Rev. Billy Graham is one of the most influential and respected spiritual leaders of the 20th century. He has been a friend and spiritual advisor to ten American presidents and has preached the Gospel to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history - nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories - through various meetings. Hundreds of millions more have been reached through television, video, film, and webcasts. Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.